Driver Face Design

The shape and thickness of the driver face affect the loss of ball speed that occurs in off-center hits. Driver faces are more forgiving when their shape is more rounded and less asymmetrical, and when they are thicker in the middle region than around the perimeter. Other design features of the clubhead affect how the design of the face performs. However, it is safe to say that a driver head with a wide heel to toe design and a narrow crown to sole distance requires a high level of swing precision to play well.

Several factors influence the performance of a driver face with an optimal shape and thickness. Metal alloys in use require maximal strength with minimal elasticity. Curvature of the face in the heel-to-toe dimension (bulge) and crown-to-sole dimension (roll) affects face deflection, but other design considerations are more important. Bulge (horizontal curvature) minimizes the tendency of a ball to hook on a heel hit or fade on a toe hit. Roll (vertical curvature) also affects shot dispersion, but the effects of roll design are complex and are a topic for another blog.

Body design, how the face is welded to the body, and overall maufacturing tolerances also affect face performance. Foundries with high manufacturing craftsmanship and tight adherance to specifications will produce driver heads with the most consistent performance. Translation, use premium clubheads from the best sources to benefit your game. 

We've touched on only one part of driver clubhead design that is important in overall shot-making performance. But conclusions still can be made. Drivers with flat elongated faces will be less forgiving and more difficult to hit than the alternatives. Modern metal drivers outperform older wood designs overall. A properly designed large metal wood offers design benefits not found to the same extent in smaller heads. Take a close look at your driver specifications if your performance off the tee is not what it should be.